Next-Gen BMW X6 Will Be More Aggressive and Lighter

Not everyone may love the BMW X6, but it has done well for BMW and has even prompted copycats like the Acura ZDX. BMW is currently working on the next generation X6, which will debut within the next 18 months. Sources recently told Autocar that the next X6 will become more sporty and lighter.

The next X6 will continue to share its platform with the more practical X5, but will move further away from the X5 than the current X6. One source told Autocar, "We want to give our sporting models a more individual look, separating them more visually from the more practical models in our line-up."

The next X6 will also be longer to give it a bit more interior space. A longer wheelbase and wider tracks will also add more space inside the next X6. The next X6 will be based on a shortened version of the new monocoque platform that will be used by the next X5. More high strength steel will also provide some nice weight savings over the current X6.

The X6 will continue to be powered by a range of six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines, which will be mated to an eight-speed transmission. Even though the first X6 ActiveHybrid was a failure, BMW is working on a plug-in X6 ActiveHybrid that will mate the turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery.